U of I Wildlife Medical Clinic opening volunteer opportunities

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Starting next month, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is opening up a new opportunity for animal lovers.

It’s through the Wildlife Medical Center. Right now, they’re caring for three snapping turtles, a duck and even a year-old bald eagle. Starting August 1, those in the community will be able to feed the orphaned animals and assist with general care.

The Wildlife Medical Center Senior Manager Tyson Jenkins said there may be a lot of wildlife care information online that might not be correct, and this is a great way to learn about wildlife while helping out.

“In Illinois, it is illegal to own and care for native wildlife. So, we kind of act as that educator for the public on ‘This is the right thing to do; this is a responsible thing to do,'” Jenkins said. “And we have the knowledge and expertise on how to properly care for these animals so that they can be returned to where they’re supposed to go.”

The center’s facilities also gives veterinarian students and even general students training in wildlife care.

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